A lensed protocluster candidate at $z=7.66$ identified in JWST observations of the galaxy cluster SMACS0723-7327

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of a galaxy protocluster at redshift 7.66 using JWST data, providing insights into early structure formation and reionisation in the universe's first billion years.

Contribution

First identification of a high-redshift protocluster at z=7.66 with detailed analysis of its members and comparison to models, advancing understanding of early galaxy cluster formation.

Findings

Discovery of a protocluster at z=7.66 with 8 member galaxies.

Estimated dark matter halo mass of approximately 3.3×10^11 solar masses.

Protocluster properties consistent with lower-redshift counterparts.

Abstract

According to the current paradigm of galaxy formation, the first galaxies have been likely formed within large dark matter haloes. The fragmentation of these massive haloes led to the formation of galaxy protoclusters, which are usually composed of one to a few bright objects, surrounded by numerous fainter (and less massive) galaxies. These early structures could have played a major role in reionising the neutral hydrogen within the first billion years of the Universe; especially, if their number density is significant.Taking advantage of the unprecedented sensitivity reached by the \textit{James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)}, galaxy protoclusters can now be identified and studied in increasing numbers beyond $z\geq\ $6. Characterising their contribution to the UV photon budget could supply new insights into the reionisation process. We analyse the first JWST dataset behind SMACS0723-7327 to search for protoclusters at $z\geq6$, combining the available spectroscopic and photometric data. We then compare our findings with semi-analytical models and simulations. In addition to two bright galaxies ($\leq$26.5 AB in F277W), separated by $\sim$11\arcsec and spectroscopically confirmed at $z_{spec}=7.66$, we identify 6 additional galaxies with similar colors in a $\theta\sim20$\arcsec radius around these (corresponding to R$\sim60-90$ kpc in the source plane). Using several methods, we estimate the mass of the dark matter halo of this protocluster, $\sim$3.3$\times$10$^{11}$M$_{\odot}$ accounting for magnification, consistent with various predictions. The physical properties of all protocluster members are also in excellent agreement with what has been previously found at lower redshifts: star-formation main sequence and protocluster size. This detection adds to just a few protoclusters currently known in the first billion years of the universe.